Julian Jarvis

Julian Jarvis

CEO
Pragmatic Play

Julian Jarvis has served as the co-founder and CEO of Pragmatic Play since 2016. With a background in law and investing, Julian brings innovation, regulatory focus, and professionalism to the role. Under his leadership, Pragmatic Play has experienced strong growth and expanded into various jurisdictions.

Career

Pragmatic Play
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Pragmatic Play
2016 - present
Veridian Investments
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Veridian Investments
2024-Present
Rockchain & RHT Rockchain Advisory Pte. Ltd (Part-time)
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Rockchain & RHT Rockchain Advisory Pte. Ltd (Part-time)
2016-2019
Odobo
Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer
Odobo
2011-2016
PartyGaming Plc
Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
PartyGaming Plc
2004-2007

Education

US logo
University of Sussex
Bachelor’s Degree, Law LLB (Hons)
1991-1994
Financial Times logo
Financial Times
Non-Executive Director Diploma, NED
2016-2016

Major Achievements

Julian Jarvis has taken Pragmatic Play to the upper echelons of the gambling industry, driving the development of innovative, regulated, and mobile-friendly gaming products. Pragmatic Play has added around 8 new game titles each month and has a portfolio of over 300 games. 

He was also responsible for initiating the company’s Live Casino products and growing virtual sports and bingo. 

Under Julian’s leadership, Pragmatic Play has expanded into multiple regulated global markets, including the UK, Switzerland, and Latin America. 

Awards & Recognition

Julian has received acclaim and recognition for his role in turning Pragmatic Play into a driving force in the industry. Under his leadership, Pragmatic Play has won numerous accolades, and here are some of the most prominent:

  • Pragmatic Play was named Casino/Slots Developer of the Year at the 2021 SBC Awards.
  • Pragmatic Play was named Online Casino Supplier of the Year at the 2023 Global Gaming Awards
  • Sugar Rush was named Online Slot of the Year at the 2023 Global Gaming Awards.

Career Highlights

Initially trained as a lawyer and qualifying as a barrister, Julian moved into the media and internet sectors at an early stage, within both legal and business roles. 

He was one of the earliest legal and business specialists in the internet sector at America Online and AOL Europe, before they merged with Time Warner (later AOL Time Warner). 

In 2004, Julian was recruited by the founders of what was to become PartyGaming (since merged with Bwin) as Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs. His tenure served him well in understanding industry regulations and compliance, and he went on to co-found the game development platform Odobo, where he served as Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer

After leaving Odobo in 2016, Julian became the co-founder and CEO of Pragmatic Play, one of the iGaming industry’s leading providers. With his legal background and a keen eye for innovation, Pragmatic Play has gone from strength to strength during his tenure.

In Their Own Words

In relation to his extremely successful time at Pragmatic Play, Julian had this to say:

There have been great opportunities created at the crossroads where new technology meets emerging regulatory environments — and I enjoy the business and legal challenges that arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Julian Jarvis?

A: Julian Jarvis is the CEO and co-founder of Pragmatic Play, one of the leading game content providers in the iGaming space. 

Q: What was Julian Jarvis’ background before Pragmatic Play?

A: With a background in law and the investment market, Julian moved into the online gaming industry in 2004 with PartyGaming PLC, bringing his legal experience to bear on regulatory and compliance matters. 

Q: What has Julian Jarvis achieved in his role as CEO?

A: Since taking charge as CEO of Pragmatic Play, Julian has overseen significant growth, with the company branching out into many markets, including the UK, Latin America, and Europe, and has developed multiple strong partnerships. 

Q: Has Julian Jarvis received industry acclaim and recognition?

A: Yes. Jarvis has received industry acclaim, and Pragmatic Play has scooped several awards for its success as an iGaming powerhouse. 

Q: What does the future hold for Pragmatic Play?

A: It’s unclear what the future holds for Pragmatic Play, but strong expansion and innovation mean that 2026 should be an exciting year for the company.

References

  1. SBC Awards Archives  (SBC Events)
  2. Global Gaming Awards – London 2023 (GlobalGamingAwards)